National Apprenticeship Week 9th-15th February 2026: Cheshire & Warrington Businesses Encouraged to Get Involved
As National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) returns on 9–15 February 2026, employers across Cheshire and Warrington are being invited to celebrate the impact of apprenticeships and explore how they can strengthen their future workforce.
This year’s theme, “Skills for Life”, highlights how apprenticeships help businesses develop talent, address skills shortages, and build long‑term capability across key sectors including engineering, digital, health, logistics, construction, and professional services.
Why Apprenticeships Matter for Local Employers
Businesses across the region consistently report that attracting and retaining skilled people is one of their biggest challenges. Apprenticeships offer a practical way to:
- Build a pipeline of talent tailored to your organisation
- Upskill existing staff
- Improve productivity and innovation
- Support long‑term workforce planning
- Contribute to local economic growth
The national evidence base reinforces this. According to Skills England, apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to develop technical and professional skills that employers need for the future workforce.
How to Employ an Apprentice
The Cheshire & Warrington LSIP website provides a dedicated section to help employers understand the process of hiring an apprentice, including:
- How to choose the right apprenticeship standard
- How funding works for levy and non‑levy employers
- How to select a training provider
- Employer responsibilities and support available
Explore the full guidance here:
Cheshire & Warrington LSIP – How to Employ an Apprentice
Looking to Upskill – Cheshire & Warrington Local Skills Improvement Plan
How Your Business Can Get Involved
There are many ways employers can participate in National Apprenticeship Week:
- Share your apprenticeship success stories
- Would you like the opportunity to feature in a case study? Share your story via the DFE Employer Case Study Form.
- Host workplace tours or taster days
- Attend local employer events
- Explore new apprenticeship opportunities for your workforce
- Connect with training providers
- Engage with the LSIP to highlight your skills needs contact us: lsip@sccci.co.uk
Your involvement helps raise awareness, inspires future talent, and strengthens the region’s skills ecosystem.
Find Out More
Businesses can explore apprenticeship guidance, local events, and wider skills resources through:
- How to Employ an Apprentice (Cheshire & Warrington LSIP)
- Skills England – Apprenticeships and Technical Education
- National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect opportunity to take the next step in developing your workforce. Whether you’re looking to recruit new talent or upskill existing staff, apprenticeships offer a flexible, future‑focused solution that benefits both your business and the wider region.
